Short stories, poems, book reviews, travelogues and everything that touches the heart.

Sunday, 10 May 2015

I learn to ride bicycle

It
is said that a mother is the first teacher of the child. Indeed as a
child whenever we have any problem we first rush to our mother. For
us she is an expert. She has a solution for everything. She is an
expert when it comes to comforting. When she caresses your hair, you
forget all your problems and feel all is going to be well.

There
was a time when all the boys who were elder to me rode bicycles. Even
I wanted to ride one. But I did not know how to ride. Those were the
days when bicycles did not came with the extra side wheels for new
learners. I expressed my desire to learn bicycle and my mother
supported the idea completely. My grandmother said I was too young to
learn it. But my mother was determined to teach me how to ride one.

The
very same day we went to a shop that rented bicycle. I still vividly
remember he charged twenty-five paisa for one hour. We rented a
bicycle and headed to the nearest ground. My mother asked me to sit
on the seat and pedal. I was apprehensive. But still I tried.

I
lost balance and fell on the ground. I had bruises on my elbows and
knees. I began to cry. “Don't cry my child. No one learns bicycle
without falling.” My mother told me.

Again
we continued. But still I was losing balance. All the while my
mother was running behind me tightly holding the seat. When we
returned home, my mother applied turmeric on my wounds. I slept
embracing her tightly. Her presence was so comforting, so soothing.

The
next day I said did not wish to learn bicycle. But my mother said that once
determined to learn bicycle, I could not change my mind. Again we
rented the bicycle and went to the ground. I pedalled. This time I was
able to pedal for a few minutes until I lost my balance. But compared
to my earlier performance there was definitely an improvement. There was
a sense of achievement on my face. Happiness on my mother's face was
palpable.

In
the coming days I began to pedal for longer time. My mother, dressed
in a saree, literally ran behind me holding the carrier. No wonders
very soon I learnt how to ride a bicycle.

Thereafter
I continued to take my mother's expert counsel on all the matters.
Whether it was studies, financial, emotional issues, relationship
problems, she was always there for me. Her advice always is carry on,
never ever give up. You will reach your goal. You will emerge as a
winner. Thank you mom for all the love which you have showered upon me. If
it hadn't been for your love and guidance I would not have been the
person which I am today. Indeed your blessings are always there with
me to protect me and your teachings to guide me. Thank you mom.
Thank you for everything. You are the world's best mom.

About Me

Mahesh Sowani is a writer, poet, book reviewer, speaker and a legal professional. He holds masters degrees in Law and Management. He has also passed the National Eligibility test conducted by the University Grants Commission. He was a faculty member for Master of Laws course at University of Mumbai. He has keen interest in yoga, meditation, English literature and financial management. Many of his writings have been published in leading English and Marathi publications like Hindustan Times, Outlook Traveller,Writer's enzine, Sniffers, Reviews, Maharashtra Times, Yuva Sakaal, Kalnirnay etc. His writings have been published on websites like adviceadda.com. He writes on his blog https://maheshsowani.blogspot.inMany of his writings have been conferred titles and prizes by blogadda.com, indiblogger.in and mouthshut.com. His writings have been a part of the short story anthology "Love stories around us" and collection of poems "Winged Hearts."